Advocacy news

The AVA has lodged a submission to the Victorian Government’s preliminary, targeted, consultation on their sunset review of the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Regulations 2017, highlighting the need for a more practical, veterinary-specific approach to medicines and poisons regulation.

The AVA Submission to the Inquiry highlights the pivotal role of the veterinary profession in disaster responses and provide 6 recommendations for improvements.

The AVA has lodged a formal submission to Queensland Health on the Draft Departmental Standard: Secure Storage of Schedule 8 (S8) Medicines.

The AVA strongly supports the draft Standard, particularly its explicit recognition that veterinarians may securely store S8 medicines in vehicles when practising away from fixed registered premises, provided appropriate security outcomes are met. This represents a significant and long‑standing advocacy win for the profession, especially for veterinarians working in mobile, afterhours, rural, regional and remote settings.

The AVA’s submission to the Independent Review into Financial Sustainability and Governance of RWWA emphasises that animal welfare is a fundamental and inseparable component of effective racing governance and a key determinant of the industry’s long-term sustainability and social licence to operate.

The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) has lodged a submission to the Skills Insight review of the Veterinary Nursing Training Package, highlighting the critical role veterinary nurses play in delivering high-quality animal care within veterinarian-led teams.

The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) has lodged a submission to the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) as part of its reconsideration of anticoagulant rodenticides used in Australia.

The AVA has provided feedback on proposed amendments to Victoria’s Domestic Animals Regulations supporting the Authorised Pet Rehoming Organisation (APRO) scheme.

The AVA has provided a response to the NHMRC survey for the review of the Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes. This early engagement helps inform NHMRC’s preparation for a broader public consultation expected later in 2026.

The AVA provided a submission to the South Australian Government on proposed reforms to dog and cat breeding regulations, emphasising evidence-based welfare standards, responsible breeding practices, and alignment with relevant AVA policies.

The AVA has lodged a detailed submission to Racing Queensland on proposed amendments to the Rules of Racing, reinforcing that animal welfare and racing integrity must go hand in hand.

Developed in consultation with Equine Veterinarians Australia (EVA) and Australian Veterinarians for Animal Welfare & Ethics (AVAWE), the submission advocates for clearer, nationally aligned regulation that prioritises the health, safety and long-term wellbeing of racehorses.

The Australian Veterinary Association has lodged its 2026–27 Pre-Budget Submission to the Australian Government, calling for targeted investment to secure a sustainable veterinary profession and protect Australia’s animal health, biosecurity and food security.

The AVA has provided a submission to the NSW Inquiry into licenses to harm native animals. The submission focuses on the welfare of native animals and the role of veterinarians.

EVA has provided a submission to the Review of the NSW Thoroughbred Racing Act.

The AVA opposes the keeping of crocodiles as pets in the Northern Territory, citing serious animal welfare and public safety risks, and the lack of a practical veterinary-care framework. The submission highlights the specialised needs of crocodilians, enforcement and traceability concerns, and recommends strict regulatory safeguards if a permit scheme proceeds.

The AVA’s submission to the Inquiry into the Greyhound Racing Industry in WA draws on AVA Policies and Member feedback to provide 20 recommendations on greyhound welfare, regulation, and evidence-based improvements.

The AVA has called on Jobs and Skills Australia to formally recognise veterinarians as essential workers in its new Regional Jobs and Skills Roadmap—highlighting the critical role vets play in agriculture, biosecurity and community wellbeing. Read how our submission puts veterinary services at the centre of regional sustainability.

The AVA supports the controlled use of virtual fencing in NSW, backed by strong welfare safeguards, monitoring requirements, and clear restrictions on boundary use. With appropriate regulation, VF can be a valuable tool supporting modern livestock management and improved welfare outcomes.

The AVA’s submission to the WA Mental Health Commission calls for stronger recognition of occupational factors in suicide prevention, noting the elevated risk among veterinarians. It recommends closer collaboration with professional associations, alignment with WorkSafe WA psychosocial hazard regulations, and support for AVA wellbeing programs such as THRIVE and Cultivating Safe Teams to strengthen prevention efforts in high-risk professions.

The AVA has recently lodged a submission to the Veterinary Surgeons Board of South Australia (VSBSA) in response to the consultation on the draft Veterinary Premises Standards.
Our submission commends the VSBSA for its collaborative and transparent approach and for recognising the Australian Small Animal Veterinarians (ASAV) Hospital Accreditation Standards within the proposed framework.

The AVA’s submission to the NSW Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy calls for targeted reforms to address psychosocial risks in the veterinary profession, including stronger data collection, rural incentives, tailored mental health supports, and workforce retention measures.

The AVA welcomes the ACT Draft Code of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs and proposes practical, evidence-based refinements – centred on clear standards, positive-reinforcement training, sensible tethering and temperature safeguards, and better identification and traceability.

The AVA’s submission on the Victorian Domestic Animals Regulations 2025 calls for clear, practical reforms that enhance animal welfare, improve traceability, and reduce unnecessary burdens on veterinarians, following earlier face-to-face consultation with government.